In a post-match reflection, Ben Stokes praised Harry Brook for his "remarkable bravery" that contributed to England's significant series-clinching victory against New Zealand in Wellington. England achieved a commanding 323-run win within three days at the Basin Reserve, marking one of their largest wins in history, despite a challenging start at 43-4 on the first day. Brook, supported by 66 runs from Ollie Pope in a transformative 174-run partnership, scored an impressive 123 off 115 balls, turning the tide for England.
Brook's performance in this match followed his earlier 171 in Christchurch, a feat he expressed particular fondness for, given the difficult circumstances he navigated. Stokes underscored the importance of that partnership, highlighting the "unbelievable bravery" displayed by both Brook and Pope in adverse conditions, which they managed skilfully.
The England captain noted that Brook's performance was particularly noteworthy, considering the challenging pitch conditions, likening it to a "snake pit." With this achievement, Brook reached eight Test centuries in just 23 matches, a record that puts him in elite company.
Additionally, when asked about Joe Root's status as the best player in the world, Sky Sports' Michael Atherton affirmed Root's preeminence, citing his consistency and impressive run of form with 19 Test hundreds since 2021, surpassing all others in that span.